What method involves using resistant turfgrass varieties to manage pests?

Using resistant turfgrass varieties to manage pests falls under cultural control methods. Cultural control involves modifying the environment or management practices to reduce pest establishment, reproduction, and survival. By selecting and planting turfgrass varieties that are naturally resistant to specific pests, you can significantly decrease the reliance on chemical inputs and improve the overall health of the turf. This strategy not only helps in managing pests more sustainably but also promotes a more resilient ecosystem within the turfgrass area.

In contrast, biological control involves using natural predators or pathogens to manage pests, chemical control refers to the application of pesticides to eliminate or reduce pest populations, and mechanical control includes physical methods of pest removal, such as mowing or handpicking. Each of these methods may have its place in an integrated pest management program, but the focus on using resistant varieties specifically highlights the approach of cultural control.